Jason Varitek a candidate to be the Mariners’ next manager

Varitek now serves as a Red Sox special assistant, and the Herald indicates Varitek will remain in the same role next season – if he isn’t hired by the Mariners.

The former team captain has the potential to become a great manager, but it doesn’t seem like he’ll be given the chance here in Boston anytime soon.

Former Red Sox catcher and current special assistant to the general manager Jason Varitek is not only a candidate to be the Mariners next manager, but has already had an interview for the position according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. A decision is not expected to come until after the World Series.

Mike Matheny in St. Louis, Robin Ventura in Chicago, Brad Ausmus in Detroit and Kevin Cash in Tampa Bay are all examples of this trend. Varitek began his professional career as the Mariners’ first-round pick in 1994, but he had yet to reach the majors when traded on July 31, 1997 to Boston with pitcher Derek Lowe for reliever Heathcliff Slocum.

The 43-year-old Varitek has no managerial experience but was often recognized as one of the smartest players in the game during his playing days, usually for his pregame preparation behind the plate. Dipoto worked as a consultant for the Red Sox back in August and September, tasked with evaluating talent in the farm system, prior to accepting the GM position in Seattle.

Now, the Mariners are considering Varitek to be their manager. The deal was one of Dan Duquette’s best deals during his tenure as Red Sox GM.

Varitek lives in Suwanee, Ga., with his wife and daughter. In 2014, Varitek said any thoughts of managing were on hold because he was enjoying the time with his family.

Varitek has interviewed with Seattle, multiple major-league sources confirmed, placing him among what is believed to be a handful of candidates to replace deposed manager Lloyd McClendon.